Avoca Specialty Care, Avoca, IA · The Vardell Report

The Essentials

Summary

Across 7 inspections from February 2024 to March 2026, state surveyors documented 59 findings at Avoca Specialty Care; 59 have a recorded correction; CMS lists no enforcement action in the window.

Inspections: 7; 2024–2026, standard and complaint
Findings: 59; Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected: 59; Of 59 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties: 0; No fines or payment denials in the window

Findings by Year

Findings
Of which, actual harm (level G or above)

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
Year	Inspections	Findings
2024	2	33
2025	4	14
2026	1	12

What the Record Shows

59 of 59 findings have a recorded correction date.
CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window.
4 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
The latest standard inspection, March 5, 2026, recorded 12 findings (most serious: Level E).

What to Ask About

Help With Daily Living, Cited in Five Inspections
Nursing Staff Levels, Cited in Four Inspections
Accurate Assessments, Cited in Three Inspections
Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Three Inspections
Professional Standards, Cited in Three Inspections
Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections
Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections
Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections
Citation F801, Cited in Two Inspections
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections

Report at a Glance

Facility: Avoca Specialty Care
Address: 610 East York Street, Avoca, IA 51521
CMS Certification Number: 165294
Provider Type: Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
Certified Beds: 46
Ownership: Non profit - Corporation
Record Window: February 1, 2024 to October 1, 2026

Chronology

Inspection History

Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.

Mar 52026
Standard health inspection
12 findings
- F605Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F578Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 23, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Oct 72025
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 29, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Jun 162025
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 29, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
May 162025
Complaint investigation
9 findings
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 1, 2025
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 2, 2025
- F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 2, 2025
- F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 28, 2025
- F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 28, 2025
- F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 28, 2025
- F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 2, 2025
- F744Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 2, 2025
- F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 2, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Jan 302025
Standard health inspection
3 findings
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 7, 2025
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 5, 2025
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 4, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Jul 12024
Complaint investigation
8 findings
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
- F801Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
- F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
- F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 27, 2024
- F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
- F926Have policies on smoking.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Feb 12024
Standard health inspection
25 findings
- F801Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F868Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterlyLevel FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F726Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F803Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F805Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F921Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F559Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F676Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F693Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
- F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

1
Help With Daily Living, Cited in Five Inspections
Inspectors cited F677 in February 2024, July 2024, May 2025, June 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F677 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
2
Nursing Staff Levels, Cited in Four Inspections
Inspectors cited F725 in July 2024, January 2025, May 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers whether there are enough nurses and aides to meet residents’ needs, with a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F725 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
3
Accurate Assessments, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F641 in February 2024, January 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers whether each resident’s assessment correctly records their condition. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F641 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
4
Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F657 in February 2024, May 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers whether care plans are written on time and revised by a team that includes the resident’s caregivers. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F657 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
5
Professional Standards, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F658 in February 2024, October 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F658 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
6
Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F880 in February 2024, January 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F880 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
7
A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F584 in February 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F584 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
8
Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F656 in February 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers whether each resident has a written care plan that meets their needs, with goals that can be measured. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F656 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
9
Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F761 in February 2024 and May 2025. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F761 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
10
Citation F801, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F801 in February 2024 and July 2024. The agency describes it this way: Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F801 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
11
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F812 in February 2024 and July 2024. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
24242525252526F812 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest

For Your Next Visit

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.

01
How long do residents usually wait for help with bathing, dressing or the bathroom, and how is that tracked?
Help With Daily Living: cited in five inspections, most seriously at level E.
02
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
Nursing Staff Levels: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.
03
Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?
Accurate Assessments: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
04
How often are care plans revised, and who takes part in the review?
Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
05
How do you check that nurses and aides follow professional standards, and what happens when they do not?
Professional Standards: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
06
Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?
Infection Control: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
07
What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?
A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
08
How is a care plan written and reviewed here, and how do families take part in it?
Care Plans: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
09
How are medications stored and secured, and who checks the medication carts?
Medication Labeling and Storage: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
10
What changed after F801 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F801: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
11
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
12
Has the home been fined or had payments denied before this record begins?
CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window. The record starts February 1, 2024; anything earlier is not in it.

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Iowa state survey agency.

Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Feb 1, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Jul 1, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Jan 30, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection May 16, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Jun 16, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Oct 7, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Mar 5, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 165294
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowFebruary 1, 2024 – October 1, 2026

CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before February 2024 are not in this release.
CMS refreshes these files monthly, after statements of deficiencies are processed, so an inspection from the last two months may not appear yet.

What This Report Cannot Tell You

Complaints not investigated onsite: Allegations screened out by the state before an onsite visit are not published.
Complaint allegations: CMS publishes the deficiencies a complaint survey cited, not the allegation itself.
Facility-reported incidents: Self-reported incidents appear only if they led to an inspection.
Follow-up visits: CMS's files list standard, complaint and infection control surveys, not revisits; a correction date is the one CMS records.
Fire safety inspections: Published by CMS separately and not included in this record yet.
Staffing levels and ownership history: Published by CMS separately and not included in this record.

Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.

Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.